By Stanley P. Caine, Adrian College President

The story began in the mid-1930s when an Adrian student faced a family emergency. It continued in the late 1970s when that student, now a retired educator, sought to repay a debt. It culminated in late August of this year with the announcement of a special gift to Adrian College by his two sons. In this time of national reflection, when we are acutely aware of the sacrifices of others, the origins of the Ross Newsom Award for Outstanding Teaching remind us of the unexpected results of acts of kindness and gratitude. It also reemphasizes the true meaning of a college education gained in a caring community.

Parts of the story are eloquently expressed in the letter that follows. This letter, and a $10 check, was sent to Adrian College in 1978 by Ross Newsom '36, who had retired after a long and successful career as an educator in his native state of Texas. In 1999, son Ron, a professor at Tarleton State University in Stephenville, Texas, visited the campus for the first time. During his visit, our alumni director showed him the letter. It told a story he and his brother Don had never heard. Understanding in a new way the impact that Adrian College had had on their late father, they worked with the College to create a teaching award in his honor.

Both sons attended our Fall Convocation in August. Ron read the letter and spoke with eloquence and with feeling about the origins and intent of the award. They then witnessed the presentation of the first Newsom award to Professor Roger Fechner who will retire this year after a long and distinguished teaching career at Adrian.

We are grateful to the family for funding this important award that recognizes excellent teaching, a hallmark of the Adrian College experience. I invite you to read the letter as a reminder of how acts of kindness and generosity can affect individuals in unexpected ways and across generations.

Office of Alumni/Parent Relations

Adrian College

Adrian, Michigan

Sirs,

This Is Not A GIFT. This is a small payment on a debt I owe to the student body, Mr. Ritchie, Dr. Feeman, and the faculty of Adrian College. Let me tell my story. When I was attending Adrian my mother died. I was called to the phone in North Hall and when I received the message that my mother was not expected to live, I was at a loss to know what to do. I had no money to pay transportation to Mt. Vernon, Texas. When I was asked about my problem, I explained that my mother was not expected to live and I had no money to pay passage home and that I would not be able to make the trip. The students in North Hall took up a collection and gave the money to me, saying, "You are going home."

Mr. Ritchie called the train station and made arrangements for a round-trip ticket. Mr. Ritchie drove me to the station and when we parted he placed a ten-dollar bill in my hand and said, "Take this, you may need it." When I returned, I still had the ten-dollar bill. I went to Mr. Ritchie and told him I did not spend the money and offered to give it back to him. He responded by saying, "Keep the money and if you meet someone in need help him." This experience has been the greatest influence of my life.

I taught government in Mt. Pleasant High School for 32 years and for the last nine years I have been manager of Northeast Texas Teachers Federal Credit Union. In each of these positions I have tried to help those in need. I thank God for the memories of Adrian.

Take this small payment and help someone in need.

Yours very truly,

Ross Newsom